Zinc Digital has secured a major double win at the 2025 Northamptonshire Business Awards, taking home both Small Business of the Year and the West Northants Innovation Award. The Zinc Digital team, based in Little Houghton, received the honours during the ceremony organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. The awards highlight the agency’s growth, innovation and continued impact within the digital sector. The recognition also marks a standout moment in the company’s 20th anniversary year.
Founder and chief executive Joe said the team was delighted with the achievement. “Winning two awards in our 20th year feels incredibly special,” said Joe. “These honours celebrate our work in digital innovation and our commitment to delivering real value for clients. They also reflect the creativity and dedication shown by our entire team.”
The West Northants Innovation Award highlights the agency’s drive to push digital technology forward. The business has developed world-first automation platforms that create new revenue streams for clients. Additionally, the company invests 7.5% of its annual budget in research and development. This focus has already reduced project build times by 20%. Furthermore, Zinc Digital is rolling out new AI-led services including chatbot management and AI-powered video creation.
The agency’s R&D team continues to explore emerging technologies. For example, they are developing intelligent software to assess skill progression in professional sport. They are also testing AI mapping tools that have significantly reduced project delivery times. These advancements demonstrate how the agency applies innovation to practical, real-world challenges.
Community impact also plays a central role in the company’s work. “We are proud to be rooted in Northamptonshire and to support the next generation of digital talent,” said Joe. He added that the team values its partnerships with local organisations, clients and education providers.
Zinc Digital has grown steadily since its launch in 2004. The business now supports more than 150 clients each year across sectors including healthcare, education, property, financial services and the arts. The agency also maintains a 92% staff retention rate. Several initiatives support this stability, including annual training budgets, flexible working, loyalty leave and profit-based bonuses. Four team members achieved senior promotions in 2024 alone.
Joe said the company’s awards success reflects its values-led approach. “Innovation drives our work for clients, but it also shapes how we operate as a team,” he said. “We invest in training, mentoring and wellbeing, and we support community causes such as Maggie’s Northampton. These awards show the positive impact of that approach.”
The agency continues to expand its creative, marketing and technology services as it helps organisations embrace digital transformation and sustainable growth.
